Gautam Gambhir mighty pleased with season-opening ton, humbled by the praise

Gautam Gambhir was all smiles after scoring a brilliant century to open his Ranji Trophy campaign against Assam on Saturday. The left-hander commanded Delhi’s innings from the outset, as they finished the day on 269/4 on the second day of the game.

Despite a shaky start, Delhi were able to pull things back courtesy of a 207-run stand between Gambhir and Mumbai Indians batsman Nitish Rana. Unmukt Chand and Dhurv Shorey were sent packing with only 44 runs on Delhi’s scoreboard. Centuries from both Gambhir and Rana meant Delhi were back in the driver’s seat.

The left-hander paced his innings perfectly, reaching his half-century off 65 deliveries. He brought up his 40th first-class century with two fours over the infield off left-arm spinner Rahul Singh. The Kolkata Knight Riders captain scored 137, which included 21 boundaries.

With wishes and congratulations pouring in for his fine innings, Gauti took to Twitter to thank his fans and well-wishers. He tweeted, “Humbled by all d kind words n lavish praises. Hope this knock helps Delhi start on a winning note @BCCI #RanjiTrophy2017.”

Humbled by all d kind words n lavish praises. Hope this knock helps Delhi start on a winning note @BCCI #RanjiTrophy2017

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 7, 2017

The left-hand batsman is no more at the helm for Delhi. India veteran pacer Ishant Sharma is currently captaining the side.

Earlier in the game, Delhi won the toss and put Assam into bat. Ishant led from the front with a five-for which restricted Assam to 258. Riding on two sparkling centuries from Gambhir and Rana, Delhi finished on 435, with a lead of 177 over Assam.

Gambhir has been in and out of the national team, despite delivering strong performances in the IPL. He last played a Test match for India in November 2016 against England, following which he was axed from the team. He was last seen donning Indian colours in a one-dayer in 2013, only two years after his heroics in the final of the 2011 World Cup.